Lilies

Lilies thrive in well drained soil in sun or part shade. They will benefit from the soil being enriched with well rotted organic matter at planting time so it’s a good idea to dig in some organic Farmyard Manure as part of your preparation.

Lilies can also be grown in pots using Bulb Planting Compost or West+ All-Purpose Compost & 4 Month Feed. Plant bulbs in Autumn or Spring as soon as possible after purchase, 30-60cm(12-24in) apart and 15cm(6in) deep.

For early flowers start bulbs into growth in trays of compost indoors. Pot on as necessary and plant out after frosts. Alternatively plant straight out into borders. Keep well watered and feed with either Nutri Slow Release Plant Food or Nutri All Purpose Plant Food to prolong flowering display.

Keep an eye open for the scarlet lily bettle whoose larvae can rapidly defoliate young lilies. Use Westland Plant Rescue Ready To Use for Ornamentals to spray the foliage and protect the growth.

After flowering remove faded blooms and let the stems die back. Bulbs should not be lifted but left in the ground to flower for many years.

All lilies make good cut flowers. Cut blooms when they are fully open as they do not open in water.

Remember to be careful around lilies as pollen may stain.